La Niña, a weak climate pattern, is currently affecting U.S. weather and is expected to persist from early winter through early 2026, according to NOAA. It typically leads to colder conditions in the northern tier and northwest regions, while the southern U.S. remains warm and dry.
Experts predict that this winter, effects may be less pronounced than usual due to the current weakness of La Niña. However, associated weather patterns like the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) are amplifying the jet stream, potentially leading to stormier weather by month-end.
Temperatures are expected to be above average in the eastern U.S. through November, while California and the northwest will likely remain cooler. As La Niña intensifies into December, there’s an increased chance of arctic air and snow in the north.
NOAA anticipates a shift to neutral ENSO conditions between January and March 2026, historically associated with more snowfall in the Northeast.
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